Watch the World (Cup) in Toronto

BY LINDA LUONG

Watch Toronto FC—as well as the World Cup—this month in Toronto (photo: Linda Luong)

Hockey—and the Maple Leafs—may rule Toronto’s sporting landscape, but this summer gives us the opportunity to broaden our horizons. Starting June 12 we look to Brazil, host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup of soccer. Venture out to watch the world’s most popular sport and you’ll quickly discover the truth behind Toronto’s designation as a city of neighbourhoods. Little Italy is an obvious draw for Azzurri fans, while Corso Italia, despite its name, is home base for followers of the host nation’s side. The Danforth is where you’ll find supporters of Dimitrios Salpingidis and his Greek teammates. Koreatown, naturally, is the best place to cheer the Korean squad and rising defender Kim Young-gwon. And the The Queen and Beaver and The Oxley are among the excellent places enthusiasts of England’s national team to gather. Lacking allegiance to a particular World Cup nation? Pull up a seat at Real Sports Bar & Grill and jump on the bandwagon of the winning team.

SUPPORT YOUR SIDE Show your national pride by donning a jersey or T-shirt. Adidas is the official partner of the FIFA World Cup and the place to pick up official Spanish and German kits, while Nike created the uniforms for Brazil, England, the United States, France and the Netherlands, among other countries.

GO REDS, GO! In the lead-up to the 2014 Major League Soccer season, Toronto FC shelled out big bills to secure marquee players Jermain Defoe, Gilberto and Michael Bradley in the hopes of boosting the club’s standing. The Reds scored some early victories, but subsequent injuries to the likes of Defoe, Bradley, defender Doneil Henry and midfielder Jonathan Osorio put a damper on that success. Toronto FC’s sole home game this month is June 7 against the San Jose Earthquake; head to BMO Field to see if the squad can rediscover its footy form.